Scorecard

With scorching heat, in what has to be the hottest weekend of 09 thus far, the Village Greenies Ladies team turned up in West Bay at John A Cumber Primary School to face the strongest team in the league, the Esso Panthers. Panthers won the toss, electing to bat first. Don’t blame them – it was BLOODY hot! Despite that, the ladies went out with nerves and confidence alike and Cat set a strong field with our strongest arms on the short boundary. Oh yeah, due to the short pitch, all 6s counted as 4s (which would work in our favour just the one occasion).

We were expecting Molly Ann to be our toughest opponent, but she went in third, with Warren and Forbes in facing first. Some solid batting from the Panthers was kept under control by excellent fielding. Our bowling team had CA opening then Drew, Wiki, Ann and Karen, who, despite the many extras, did a sterling job in only our second match. The Panthers batted hard but missed many opportunities for runs with the partnership of a slow and a fast runner. Despite some solid fielding, they were had reached 90 when Karen caught and bowled Forbes for 37 off only 28 balls in the tenth over. Well done to Karen for that.

With Molly Ann on the pitch, Cat wisely pushed the field out, however Molly never got a chance to show of her skills, being caught by CA with just 10 runs from 5 balls. It was with this confidence that the field tightened showing the skills that the Greenies have developed in a short time. Our second 8 overs after the break proved to be strong and we didn’t let many balls get past us, with team players all round. Exceptional fielding and backing up showed that we WILL be a force to be reckoned with in good time. They closed the innings havnig lost just 2 wickets, with Warren unbeaten on 21 from 33 deliveries. Their final score was 126 for 2. Despite not getting many wickets, we did well to keep them from posting a potentially huge score as they have done in the past.

After a short drinks break and an increased number of supporters, the Greenies took to the field with Drew and Wiki opening the batting. Drew’s performance last game was a 50 so we knew we had our best batsman up first. They set their field very deep, which would definitely be their downfall, as we pushed a lot of singles, and with fast and tactical running, we were off to a good start.  Drew scored 14 runs from 14 balls before skying one to Molly Ann. I guess you could call it revenge.  Ann was in next but ran out Wiki, who was on a roll with 15 off 14. This would become a trend for the day. With Chloe in ready to pounce on anything loose, Ann and Chloe got a good rhythm going. Chloe got her first 4 ever, with a straight drive back past the bowler, but shortly after Ann was ran herself out (15 off 10) as the ball went straight to Desiree (who would turn out to be a run out rocket!!). Karen came in and ran herself out (4 from 3 balls) with Desiree throwing down the stumps before she could get in. Vicky came in next and Chloe and Vicks got a good partnership going too before some calling issues saw Chloe out for 8 off 18 balls. Despite many wickets falling, we were nevertheless well on the way to equalling their score and perhaps even winning!!

Many more run outs occurred with Desiree the reason for 5 of them – the training ahead will definitely be covering this. And with all of the team getting to bat, we fell short by just 9 runs with one wicket in hand. Of our final 118, they conceded 54 extras, showing that we had the stronger bowling side on the day. With some solid batting practice and a better awareness of calling and running between the wickets, we will surely be winners before long. We are THE strongest fielding team, which shows what can happen with commitment to training.

The fine session saw the ladies watch the Firsts do it following a win down at Smith Road. With EVERY conceding at least four wides, it was going to be a BIG fine session. The 7 run outs also added to the fines. Needless to say the ladies fine bottle was finished well before the men’s was. When it came to the standard fines, here’s how it rolled out -

MOTM – Larissa’s exceptional wicket keeping – I think the nickname “the brick” may have been used… but it’s a bit fuzzy!
POTD – CA’s catch to get out Molly Ann (their toughest batter) AND Karen’s Bowling and catching of Forbes.
Bitch of the Pitch - Ann for running out Wiki (and then herself)
GOTD – Matt and Dickie for wearing coordinating green t-shirts

With a solid crowd of supporters to back us, it was great to see the team morale was sky high ready for our impending win. Well done ladies!!! Thanks to the coaches, and supporters alike for their continued dedication to this growing team. We hope to see a win soon.